Urgent action and investment needed to tackle browsing pests
Farmers, foresters and conservationists are all calling on political parties to commit to controlling the large mobs of browsing pests such as deer, goats, pigs, and wallabies.
The 2022 recipients have a diverse range of skills and experience.
“The industry is working hard to benefit New Zealand, and we are particularly proud of the high calibre of this year’s awards contenders,” says NZIF president, James Treadwell.
The Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup was awarded to Jake Palmer.
The award recognises the achievements of a young New Zealand forest professional who demonstrates science-based land stewardship and a commitment to raising the profile of the use and conservation of forests and their ecosystems.
The award was instigated by then-Prince Charles in 2017, says Treadwell. “It’s especially poignant timing this year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The mantel will pass to a new Prince of Wales, Prince William, to continue to champion environmentally positive forestry practices.”
Don Hammond was named New Zealand Forester of the Year. The award is designed to reward a person for their exceptional contribution to the forestry sector throughout the year.
The Kirk Horn Award was awarded to Ian Page. The award is given biennially and acknowledges outstanding contributions to the field of forestry.
Page has been in the industry for more than 40 years, working as a researcher, a forester, forest contractor, and as a forest consultant.
NZIF also appointed two new Fellows, Simon Rapley and Tim Thorpe.
“We’re fortunate with our high-calibre industry professionals who set the standards for others to aspire to. The NZIF relishes the opportunity in 2022 to celebrate with ‘the best of the best’ and to proudly champion the recipients of NZIF’s awards,” says Treadwell.
